COVENANT UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
2013/2014 - Academic session
College:
Science and Technology
Department:
Biological Sciences
Programme:
Applied Biology and Biotechnology
Course Code:
BLY 218
Course Title:
Biosystematics
Units:
3
Course Lecturers:
Bello O.A (Co-ordinator), Omonhinmim A.C
Semester:
Alpha
A. Course Overview: The course will cover the basic principles and methods in biosystematics
and the Concept of Taxonomic characters. Morphological anatomical, palynological,
embryological, cytological, Biochemical and Molecular evidences (Characters) in systematics.
Principles used in the delimitation of taxa and attribution of rank; Cladistics and Numerical
taxonomy. The morphological study of selected plant families to illustrate evolutionary
tendencies and phylogenetic relationships will be considered as well as the computational tools
for systematic analyses.
B. Course Objectives: By the end of the course, learners should be able to:
 Explain the principles and methods in biosystematics.
 State the concept of Taxonomy, taxonomic characters and its significance.
 Describe morphological, anatomical, palynological, embryological, cytological and
phytochemical characters.
 Identify the principles used in delimitation of taxa and attribution of rank.
 Explain Numerical taxonomy.
 Describe the concept of specific and intra-specific categories.
 Use morphological study of selected plant families to illustrate evolutionary tendencies
and phylogenetic relationships.
 Describe the biochemical and Molecular evidences in systematics.
 Describe the computational tools for systematic analyses.
C. Mode of Delivery/Teaching Aids:
-
Lectures, interactive sessions, classroom exercises, and laboratory activities.
Teaching aids: PowerPoint, and diagrams, charts, teaching manuals.
D. Course Outline
Module I:
Principles and methods in biosystematics - Omonhinmim A.C
Week 1
Definitions, Basic principles and methods in Biosystematics
Week 2
Biosystematics and taxonomy
Module II:
Concept of Taxonomic characters - Bello O.A
Week 3
Morphological, Anatomical, Palynological Characters
Week 4
Embryological, Biochemical and Molecular Characters
Module III: Delimitation of taxa and attribution of rank. - Bello O.A
Week 5
Taxonomic hierarchy, taxa, rank
Week 6
Taxonomic keys identification and characterization and uses
Week 7
Specific and intraspecific categories
Module IV: Phenetic and Phylogenic characterization - Omonhinmim A.C
Week 8
Numerical taxonomy and cladistics
Week 9
Evolutionary tendencies and phylogenetic relationships
Week 10
Biochemical and Molecular evidences in systematics
Module V:
Computational tools for systematic analyses. - Omonhinmim A.C
Week 11
Phenetic tools: Cluster analysis, PCA etc.
Week 12
Phylogenetic tools: Clustal X, etc.
Week 13
Tutorials
Week 14
Revision and Evaluation
E. Tutorials
F. The structure of the program /Method of Grading
Continuous Assessment
30 Marks
i.
10 Marks
Class Test
ii.
Mid-Semester Test
10 Marks
iii.
Practical
10 marks
Semester Examination
70 Marks
Total:
100 Marks
G. Ground Rules and Regulations
Please note the following

Class attendance - 75% Mandatory

All assignments must be submitted on time

Punctuality and decorum must be maintained in all classes

Active participation in all activities is expected and mandatory
H. Topics for Term Papers/ Assignments
1. Biosystematics and Taxonomy a misnomer?
2. The importance of taxonomic characters.
3. Case study: Determination of taxonomic keys in a given family.
4. Biosystematics and the Society – an overview.
I. Alignment with Covenant University Vision/Goal
The course strives to empower the student with core practices of biological systematics.
J. Contemporary issues/industrial Relevance
The understanding of the plants, their systematics and molecular mechanisms that will provide
an insight for cellular based research which are currently highly supported due to the ethical
implications of plant models. Most diseases can be studied at this level and pharmacological
testing carried out.
K. Plant Systematics: An integrated approach. 2004. Authored by Gurcharan Singh
Plant Taxonomy and Biosystematics. 2nd Edition. Authored by Clive A. Stace